School blitz programs to hit Sydney locations

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More than 30,000 students across Sydney will be exposed to the NRL's school blitz programs as part of the game's commitment to sending positive messages about living a healthy lifestyle.

All 16 NRL clubs have been represented by some of the game's biggest names during school visits over the past decade with 150 locations alone to be held in Sydney over the next month, from the east to the west.

Further regional areas like Newcastle and the Illawarra also continue their school blitz programs after starting in early February.

One of the key messages delivered in 2019 has centred around cyber safety and the discussion of social media vs reality.

"I think it's really good that we get to do this," Wests Tigers five-eighth Josh Reynolds said following a recent visit to St Charles, Ryde.

"You train so much and spend so much time in pre-season that it's great to get out and see the kids and see how happy they are to see you.

"I've done it for a long time now and it's always good to do. I know Wests Tigers and the game have worked really hard to get good, positive messages in to schools, and I guess for us, we're also lucky to have two big areas we can spread these messages in."

Former Wests Tigers utility John Wilson, who works as the NRL's National Participation and Game Development Manager, told NRL.com that young students were more likely to listen to an influential figure such as a professional athlete, than to those closer to them.

The community programs have been implemented and tailored for more than a decade and also cater to children who aren't necessarily interested in playing the game.

"Ultimately for us it's a great way to expose many kids in class and get to connect them," Wilson said.

"We want them to be physically active and looking after their friends, whether it's online or on the field. The more active they are the more social they are.

"We're working hard to give everyone an experience on and off the field with a junior participation program that is non-contact and delivered nationally in a safe environment with fundamentals like catch, pass and movements for all levels.

"We do understand people may not want to be a player but we're hopeful that through programs we're able to get them involved in the game down the track, whether it be an administrator or volunteer."

The Wests Tigers and Parramatta continued the blitz this week with Cronulla (February 25) to follow.

The Sydney Roosters (March 1), Penrith Panthers (March 4) and South Sydney Rabbitohs (March 27) will commence their school blitz programs next month.